Provision of an Occupational Health Physician Service

Bury Council is committed to the provision of an efficient, effective and supportive Occupational Health service and recognises its health, safety and welfare responsibilities on behalf of employees and clients. It is also dedicated to maintaining a healthy and motivated workforce.

As part of that process we are seeking to appoint a suitably experienced and qualified provider of Occupational Health Physicians. The Council's Occupational Health Unit provides services to approximately 5,000 employees.

The internal team consists of a full time Occupational Health Nurse Manager (who is also a practicing Occupational Health Advisor) and a part time Occupational Health Nurse Adviser, with support provided through the People Strategy and Development Manager and close working relationships with the Health & Safety and Human Resources teams. The service uses an administration system specifically designed for Occupational Health usage and includes electronic document and appointment management features.

The service is normally provided from within a self-contained unit that is located in a building annexed to Bury Town Hall. Currently due to the Covid-19 pandemic appointments are primarily carried out online or by telephone.

As well as the in-house provision, the service provides links to various external services including physiotherapies and specialist counselling and psychotherapy. Occupational health services include the following: • Pre-employment health screening • Absence management • Advice on fitness to work • Advice on rehabilitation and support • Health surveillance • Ill-health retirement • Health promotion activities The Occupational Health Service is continuously seeking ways in which to develop the provision and delivery of its current arrangements with the aim of: • Maintain existing services in areas such as absence management • Increasing services in areas such as health surveillance and use of external specialist and support services • Regularly reviewing and maintaining communication systems between the service, employees and managers.

The core requirement for the Physician's services is currently two full day sessions in every four week period. This requirement will be subject to review as services are further developed.

The contract period is from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2024 with an option to extend the contract for up to a further two separate 12 month periods. The closing date for expressions of interest is 5.00 pm on Friday 27th November 2020 The closing date for submission of bids is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 2nd December 2020